knapp211

Hey everyone I'm new here. I recently bought a 89 Tacoma 4x4 for dirt cheap. It has barely any rust and it only had 140,000 miles on it. I ended up not noticing a small leak in the radiotor because of the skid plate and I overheated it. I tried to seal the headgasket with Bar's and the next time I cranked it up I heard it grenade. Is it worth it to swap a motor out or should I just junk it? Are there any other motors that would fit. Any input would be greatly appreciated...

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

welcome to YT.

check your truck again, no such animal as an '89 Tacoma. Taco's are 95.5 to present
narrow that down and find out if it has a I4 or V-6
depending on the price you got, I would be inclined to fix it

PismoJoe

Resurrect it!! All the cool people are doing it hehe

knapp211

It's a four cylinder. I read on another forum about people swapping into a v6. if im going to swap I would deffinetly like some more power but would I have problem with the tranny? I don't do much offroad driving only here and there.

PismoJoe

There's a lot right here on this forum as well, dig around a bit and see what you would be getting into for an engine swap, then you can make the final call

Xeo

I wouldn't scrap it trucks of that age/year are getting harder to find especially rust free ones...well in Canada it is anyways lol

az4x4runner

I agree. I'm always sad to see the 1st/2nd gens get scrapped.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Just by reading your post, I feel you might be in over your head by trying to do a V6 swap. I would go about replacing the motor or if you have the time and patience, look in to getting a manual on rebuilding. It isnt that hard and there is alot of information on how-to on here. Hope this helps.

knapp211

Are there any other motors that would fit. Like is the 88 and 89 the same? All the yards around here don't have anything. I've looked around but I can't seem to find out what motors would fit.

PismoJoe

Yep, 86-95 is the same block, but there are differences in the 90-95 top end. Some coolant lines and minor details are different, so if you want to keep it simple try to look for a 86-89 22RE.

83

An 89 would be a 3rd gen...but that's getting nit-picky I guess.

What do you mean granaded? Like knocking/grinding etc., or just won't start? Yeah it really just depends. Even getting that motor rebuilt might still put you ahead of the money game, if you looked at what a truck with a good motor would cost. I think you can get a complete rebuilt engine for under $2,000. Depending on what you paid for the truck, that's still pretty cheap.

PismoJoe

Actually it would be a 4th generation if you really wanted to get nit picky, or the 5th generation if you consider the stout the first gen, but most consider the first 4wd toyota the 1st gen, so like you said it could also be called a 3rd gen

Ok I'm confused now too lol

but yes don't scap the yota, you can just give it to me

knapp211

I have a buddy thats going to drop the old one and install the new one for $300, but under $2,000? i have a budget of about $1,000. Shouldn't I be able to find a decent 22re for about 500?

knapp211

And about the motor. We tried to start it and it was struggling to even turn over. Then we heard a big boom. I just assumed that the motor was toasted.

az4x4runner

Nah, I figured someone would notice that. Realized after I posted. Was thinking 4runner generations.

To clear it up.. I cry when I see any 4x4 truck/runner 79-95 goto the wrecker.

PismoJoe

keep dreamin there bud

You heard a big boom? Are you sure it didn't just backfire? If you're looking to get a different engine in there you might as well try and start it up. Just make sure there's oil and coolant

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

knap211 it sure would be nice to know just where you are??

You never know when Someone lives a few miles away can help with these interesting projects .

I would fix the Truck one way or another if you don`t want to or it is beyond your budget. If you were close to me I would buy it in a second.

But then again I have way to many projects.

Good Luck

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I bought a motor from United Engine.com off of ebay 1-800-675-1000. I was really impressed with it. No core was required. It was $925 plus shipping. I am going to rebuild my old one, but needed to get my truck going so went that route. You will need alot of parts from your old motor, like starter alternator, intake/exhaust manifolds...This will go over your budget some.

Howard

in my opinion, ANYTHING Toyota is worth ressurecting... except for mabe... a Tercel.... my 4Runner was an absolute scrap truck when i got it... rebuilt the 3.0 v6 and runs like a dream

knapp211

Keep dreamin isn't what I wanted to hear. I'm from northeastern ohio. I'm still not sure what I want to do yet. I guess I'll keep calling junkyards trying to find a cheap/decent 22re. I need to get back to my job!